Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitude variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60 meters above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters, all within a distance of 150 kilometers resulting in climatic conditions from sub-tropical to arctic.
This wild variation fosters an incredible variety of ecosystems, the greatest mountain range on earth, thick tropical jungles teeming with a wealth of wildlife, thundering rivers, forested hills and frozen valleys.
Within this spectacular geography is also one of the richest cultural landscapes anywhere. The country is a potpourri of 101 ethnic groups and sub-groups who speak over 92 languages and dialects. Nepal offers an astonishing diversity of sightseeing attractions and adventure oppurtunities found nowhere else on earth. And you can join in the numerous annual festivals that are celevrated throughout the year in traditional style highlighting enduring customs and beliefs.
Capital: Kathmandu
Population: 23 million
Language: Nepali
Currency: Nepalese Rupee
Political System: Federal Democratic Republic
National Bird: Impean Pheasant (Danfe)
National Flower: Rhododendron Arboreum (Lali Gurans)
Population: 23 million
Language: Nepali
Currency: Nepalese Rupee
Political System: Federal Democratic Republic
National Bird: Impean Pheasant (Danfe)
National Flower: Rhododendron Arboreum (Lali Gurans)
The most exhilarating titles with which Nepal has been admired and praised by various renowned travel writers in recognition of her cultural richness :
- Living cultural Museum
- Shangri-La
- Roof of the World
- Birth place of the Apostle of Peace
- Country of Living Goddess
- City of Golden Pagodas and Parasols
- Himalayan Pilgrimage
- Nature amphitheatre
- Melting pot of Hinduism and Buddhism
- A tiny Kingdom of 103 ethnic groups and 93 spoken languages
- Birth place of Sita
- Abode of Shiva
- Land of Mysticism & Exoticism
- Land of non-stop festivals
are explicit and self-explanatory. They tell the world about our incomparable & prosperous cultural heritage.
History of Nepal
Nepal has seen many rulers and ruling dynasties. The earliest rulers were the Kirantis who ruled from 9th century B.C. to 1st century A.D. Legends and chronicles mention that the Indian Emperor Ashoka had come to Nepal and visited Lumbini, the place where the Buddha was born, and where he erected a huge stone pillar to commemorate his visit to that spot.
The Kirants were replaced by Licchavis who, according to the earliest evidences in inscriptions of the 5th century A.D. found in the courtyard of Changunarayan temple which is about 15km northeast of Kathmandu, ruled this country from 1st century to 9th century A.D. This period is noted for the many temples and fine sculptures built around the Kathmandu valley.
The Licchavis were followed by the Thakuris, then came the Malla dynasty. The Mallas ruled focusing mainly on the Kathmandu Valley which has been the residence for most Nepali rulers from time immemorial. No other part of Nepal is as rich in cultural heritage as Kathmandu. Thanks to the exceptionally talented craftsmen, who dedicated themselves to construct the many temples and statues. We have seven world heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley itself.
In the 14th century A.D. King Jayasthiti Malla established a rigid social order. His grandson tried in every way to protect his country from suspected enemy states. Unfortunately, all his efforts were fruitless, everything went beyond his control and the country eventually divided up into 50 small feudal states including the three major ones in the valley.
Then came the Shah dynasty. King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who annexed small principalities including three states in the Kathmandu Valley and unified Nepal in a single kingdom. Recognizing the threat of the British Raj in India, he dismissed European missionaries from the country and for more than a century, Nepal remained in isolation. During the mid 19th century Jung Bahadur Rana became Nepal's first prime minister to wield absolute power. The Ranas were overthrown in a democracy movement of the early 1950s.
Nepal was declared a Federal Democratic Republic state on May 28, 2008, during the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly. It was previously a multiparty democracy since 1990.
Climate & Weather
Nepal has 4 seasons:
- Spring (Mar - May),
- Summer (Jun - Aug),
- Autumn (Sep - Nov),
- Winter (Dec - Feb).
Nepal’s climate is varied ranging from the sub-tropical Terai to the cool dry temperate and alpine climate in the northern Himalayan ranges. In the Terai, the hottest part of the country, summer temperatures may rise as high as 40°C (104 Fahrenheit). The climate is hot and humid. In the mid mountain region, the summer climate is mild with temperatures around 25°C - 27°C (77-80.6 Fahrenheit).
The winter temperatures range from 7°C to 23°C (44.6-73.4 Fahrenheit) in the Terai and subzero to 12°C (50 Fahrenheit) in the mountain regions and valleys. The northern Himalayan region has an alpine climate. The valley of Kathmandu has a pleasant equable climate with average summer and winter temperatures of 19°C - 27°C (66.2-80.6 Fahrenheit) and 2°C - 12°C (35.6-53.6 Fahrenheit) respectively.
Journeys in Nepal